Earlier this year the Metropolitan Police released figures showing there were a total of 393 unsolved murders between 1997 and 2018 (or using their definition, ‘undetected’).
The number of undetected murders peaked in around 2001 before decreasing to single figures between 2011 and 2015, then increasing again to a new peak in 2018. The percentage of total cases that remain undetected also varies by year. If we compare undetected murders to the available yearly figures for total homicides (including manslaughter), the undetected cases vary from between 4% (2014) and 25% (2018). See end of post for sources of figures.
However, it is important to note that the figures for the most recent years should be treated with caution because many murder cases take months or years to be ‘detected’. Older years are therefore more stable, whereas more recent years could be expected to drop significantly in future.
The police also gave some interesting details about the investigative process in relation to unsolved cases, which it insists are ‘never closed’:
If unsolved after 28 days, a homicide investigation is independently reviewed by specialist officers from the Met’s Serious Crime Review Group. These reviews are intended to support senior investigating officers progress investigations by providing independent assessment of all lines of inquiry.
Where all reasonable lines of inquiry have been progressed and a case remains unsolved, it is formally presented to a dedicated panel chaired by a Commander. The panel makes a decision whether the investigation should be put on hold.
If put on hold, the investigation is then subject to a review every two years by the Serious Crime Review Group. This review aims to identify any new investigative opportunities or development in techniques, including forensics, or if any new information has emerged.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard Woods, the head of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, explains: “There is a huge amount of work taking place on unsolved murders.
“There are between 15-20 cases subject to a full cold case review at any one time.
“Behind every unsolved murder there is a family looking for answers. We are committed to doing all we can to solve these cases.
“Through 24-month reviews we look to see if anything new has emerged, whether it be information, forensic evidence, or changed allegiances. If new information or evidence comes to light, we will assess this and progress any viable lines of inquiry.”
Domestic homicides – that is murders and manslaughters where the killer and the victim are either partners or family members – tend to account for 20 per cent of the total every year.
However there is a lot of variation over time which does not necessarily follow the general trend. For example, in 2017 there was a peak in homicides at the same time as a lowpoint in the number of domestic homicides (6.6 per cent of the total).
The graph also makes clear that the number of murder and manslaughter cases does not wildly diverge each year. It should also be noted that domestic homicides tend to be murders (there were only two domestic manslaughter cases over this seven year period).
These statistics all come from a readily-available disclosure by the Metropolitan Police in March 2019 (linked here, though they are often deleted after an unspecified period of time).
Though this disclosure does not distinguish between homicides committed by partners and other family members, in our experience most domestic cases involve intimate partners or ex-partners.
Yaya Mbye, 26, was stabbed to death on the George Downing Estate in Stoke Newington at around 11.34pm on 28 January 2018.
Police said he had been chased by three or four young men dressed in dark clothing. He was stabbed several times including a fatal wound to the stomach.
The suspects are believed to have left the scene in a silver Mercedes estate car which was later found to have been destroyed.
Renewing appeals for information in April 2021, DCI Perry Benton said: “Over time allegiances change and people who may have been afraid to speak to us before could now be willing to share information. We have been met by a wall of silence from the community but I want to reassure you that anything shared with officers would be treated sensitively.
“I am asking people who were in the area in January 2018 to think back to that night and to try to remember if they saw or heard anything suspicious. Was a friend or relative acting suspiciously in the days after Yaya’s death? No piece of information is too small.”
To provide information to police contact the incident room on 020 8345 1570.
Bulent Kabala, a 41-year-old taxi driver, was shot in the head and chest in a ‘targeted hit’ in Cockfosters on 12 February 2018.
The father-of-three had picked up a fare and was negotiating a roundabout at the junction of Mount Pleasant and Edgeworth Road at around 11.44pm when his Mercedes was hit by a stolen blue Ford Transit van. When he got out of his car he was shot four times, including once to the head.
Bulent and I were married for 19 years and he was a wonderful husband and father to our three children. We had a lovely life and then in one night everything came crashing down. Time hasn’t healed anything and I just want to know why it happened so we can all start to move on.
My youngest child was only two when his dad was killed and has no memories of him at all. Every time my children hear family and friends say ‘dad’ it causes them and me a huge amount of pain. Someone in this community knows something and they need to put themselves in my position for just one minute and get us the justice we need.
Bulent’s wife Sevitch, speaking in 2020
CCTV revealed the suspects had been following Bulent in the van before the attack. They then drove away in the van before dumping it, with a toolbox and tools in the back, in Pilgrims Close, Palmers Green, on 14 February.
Three or four suspects got out of the van before Bulent Kabala was shot
The murder happened six months after Bulent’s cousin Cafer Islam was shot dead in the street in Enfield on 23 August 2017. His brother had also been shot dead in Turkey three years earlier.
While the gunmen in these cases were not the same, it cannot be a coincidence that Bulent’s brother Ilhan Kabala was also fatally shot outside of a nightclub in Turkey in 2014 and that all three men were murdered within a few years of each other.
Without a doubt people know exactly what took place, who was responsible and the roles that individuals played in what appear to be well-planned, contract killings. Bulent’s family have faced the mental torment of knowing that the information is simmering in the community, but through misguided loyalty it is not reaching the police. Those in the know have an opportunity to reset the moral compass and allow Bulent’s family to get justice.
A lot of planning went into Bulent’s murder. With such planning there will be opportunities as many people will have played different roles which they will have spoken about. Experience shows that people will have possibly, unwittingly carried out what at the time seemed like a lower level crime such as stealing the number plates or sourcing a van – we need this chatter to work its way into evidence.”
Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh
Four people were arrested in relation to the murder but all were released with no further action and the case remains unsolved.
A £20,000 reward for information was offered by police. Call the police incident room on 020 8785 8099, or to provide information anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Kelvin Odunuyi, 19, was shot dead outside the Vue cinema in Wood Green High Road at around 12.32am on 8 March 2018. Detectives said the suspect was a pillion passenger on a moped which mounted the pavement before several shots were fired.
The murder may have been carried out in retaliation for the killing of Kwabena ‘Kobi’ Nelson a month earlier, as part of a feud between rival gangs from Tottenham and Wood Green (see our feature on Haringey borough gangs, including WGM and the NPK). Contact the incident room on 0208 358 0200.
Russian businessman Nikolay Glushkov, 68, was found strangled at his home in Clarence Avenue, New Malden, at around 10.46pm on 12 March 2018.
Police believe there was an attempt to disguise the killing as a suicide though there was no sign of forced entry.
CCTV footage shows a Volkswagen van with tinted windows driving in and around Clarence Avenue between 7.30pm and 10.30pm on 11 March. Detectives appealed for help identifying the vehicle and driver.
The inquest at West London Coroners Court in April 2021 concluded he was unlawfully killed. A postmortem found his death was consistent with being killed using a neck-hold from behind. There were no defensive injuries suggesting a sustained struggle.
Mr Glushkov, a retired financial director, was granted political asylum in the UK in 2010 after fleeing Russia when he was accused of stealing £87m from the Aeroflot airline. He was convicted and jailed for eight years in his absence in Russia in 2017. He had been due to attend the commercial court in London on the day his body was discovered.
The Metropolitan Police said they had taken more than 420 statements from 1,800 witnesses and viewed 2,200 hours of CCTV footage.
Commander Richard Smith, head of the MPS Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This has been a hugely complex, challenging investigation from the outset. Officers have taken hundreds of statements and collected a large amount of evidential material, but so far no arrests have been made. We are again asking the public, particularly people who live in or visit the New Malden area, to cast their minds back to 12 March 2018. Did you see a black Volkswagen van in or around Clarence Avenue that day? Did you see anything that in retrospect was unusual or suspicious? Anything you can recall might be crucial to our investigation.”
Call police on 0800 789 321 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Jermaine Johnson, 41, was stabbed to death in Vallentin Road, Walthamstow, at around 9.50pm on 19 March 2018.
A 17 year-old man was charged with murder on 23 March but the case was discontinued on 13 June 2018.
Abraham Badru, 26, was shot in the chest near his home in Ferncliff Road, Hackney, at around 11.11pm on 25 March 2018. He was attacked as he opened the boot of his black Mercedes to get a drink while on the phone to a female friend.
Mr Badru, a personal trainer and aspiring PhD student who was awarded a police bravery award in 2009 after giving evidence as a witness in a rape trial, was pronounced dead minutes later. Police offered a £20,000 reward for information and described the suspect as a black male wearing a black puffer type jacket who cycled away on a white bike.
While the motive remains unclear, detectives said Abraham had a number of girlfriends and may have been seeing a woman who was in another relationship. He may also have been targeted in a case of mistaken identity.
Appealing for witnesses to come forward, Mr Badru’s mother Ronke said: “Abraham was my only son but it was like having a thousand sons. He was my joy and my reason for living, he made me happy all of my life. Since that day I have put on a brave face but in reality things are very different. I have had to quit my job as I found it too difficult to cope and I cry for my son every day. His graduation photograph is the background on my phone and every time I look at it I remember how proud he made me. Now all I have left is these memories. There are people out there who know what happened to Abraham and I would ask them to provide information anonymously – anything you say might help.”
Reece Tshoma, 23, was stabbed to death in Plumstead on 29 March 2018. Detectives believe he was attacked in Nathan Way near the railway station before calling a friend to take him to hospital for treatment to a neck injury some time before 8.37pm. Contact the incident room on 0208 721 4805.
Devoy Stapleton, 20, was stabbed to death after leaving a bar in Earlsfield on 1 April 2018. He was found injured in Ellerton Road close to the junction with Burntwood Lane at around 1.10am and pronounced dead at the scene at 1.55am. A 24-year-old man was charged with murder but the case was discontinued before trial and remains unsolved. Contact the incident room on 020 8721 4054.
Amaan Shakoor, 16, was shot in the head outside Walthamstow Leisure Centre in Markhouse Road at around 10pm on 2 April 2018.
He was taken to hospital and died the following day.
Detectives believe his murder was linked to tensions between rival groups in the area and that Amaan was “on on the periphery of activity linked to gangs”.
The chief suspects are two men who were seen approaching Amaan outside the leisure centre before he was shot. One suspect was then captured on CCTV fleeing across the car park with a shotgun.
CCTV footage shows a suspect running across the leisure centre car park with a shotgun after the attack
In 2021 police appealed for the friends and associates of Amaan to “break the wall of silence”.
There were other people there when Amaan was shot and I’ve no doubt that even people who weren’t there know who was responsible.
I understand that in some circles, it is seen as a betrayal of trust to talk to the police. But I would say to those people, some of whom were close friends of Amaan, that not doing so is an even greater betrayal.
It is only by individuals being brave enough to come forward and break the wall of silence that has existed around this case that we will get justice. My officers understand what it will take for you to do that and there are steps we can take to support you if you do. But we need you to make the first move.
This young man’s family deserve justice and the chance to have some sort of closure. We will not rest until we identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.
DCI Perry Benton
Call detectives on 0208 345 1570 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sami Sidhom, 18, was chased and stabbed to death outside his family home in Forest Gate on 16 April 2018.
He was confronted by three suspects as he returned from watching West Ham United draw 1-1 with Stoke City at the Olympic Stadium. Sami, a student at Queen Mary University, suffered multiple stab wounds and collapsed in Chestnut Avenue at around 10.50pm.
Detectives said the suspects may have mistaken Sami for someone involved in a fight in nearby Avenue Road.
CCTV footage shows a silver car approaching the end of Chestnut Avenue as Sami crosses over from Capel Road. The same CCTV show three men chasing Sami back into Chestnut Avenue followed by the same silver car.
Following the attack, the silver car and another car are seen to drive off.
Ten people have been arrested in connection with the investigation but nobody has been charged.
A £20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to a conviction.
Sami was a wonderful son. He was a kind young man who always tried to help his family, friends and colleagues, and was respected by everyone who knew him. He did everything right. He fought hard to win his place in society and some cowards in the dark stabbed him in the back.
My son’s killers are still walking the streets free of conviction or charge. I need you to provide the evidence to convict them. You know who you are and you have a choice. A choice to be someone that hides in the dark, or a brave person who sets the record straight. If you know the killers you already know they killed a perfectly innocent person for no reason whatsoever.
Sami’s father Samer Sidhom
In April 2021police appealed for an anonymous caller who has previously provided several tip-offs to contact officers directly.
Call the police incident room on 0208 345 3715.
Kwasi Anim-Boadu, 20, was stabbed to death in Finsbury Park on 21 April 2018.
Police believe he was attacked during a fight involving a group of people outside a birthday party in Roth Walk at around 3am.
A second man, aged 21, also suffered stab wounds during the same incident and was found in Seven Sisters Road.
The inquest in July 2020 heard that police did not have enough evidence to prove who stabbed Kwasi unless witnesses came forward to give statements.
Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, 17, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Kennington on 5 May 2018.
He was standing with a group of friends on the corner of John Ruskin Street and Camberwell New Road when he was shot.
Police and paramedics were called to Warham Street at around 6.05pm but Rhyhiem died at the scene at 6.56pm.
It was reported that he was a member of the drill rap group Moscow 17, performing under the name GB.
Two males aged 17 and 20 were arrested on suspicion of murder in June 2018 but nobody has ever been charged.
Detectives believe that the suspects used a grey BMW Series 2 Gran Tourer with the false registration plate WT17 CFK to make their way to and from the scene. The vehicle was captured on CCTV around the time of the shooting.
CCTV footage of car travelling along John Ruskin Street before the shooting and then leaving the scene going southbound along Camberwell New Road
The BMW had been stolen during a burglary in Essex overnight on 23 December 2017 and its plates were changed from the original BP17 YVV.
Police are appealing for help tracing the history of the car since 24 December 2017 – including where it was kept and who used it.
A £20,000 reward was offered for information that leads to the successful arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Rhyhiem’s murder.
Rhyhiem’s murder shocked and angered people across London. We are determined to identify and bring to justice those responsible, no matter how long it takes.
We are confident that this grey BMW Series 2 Gran Tourer was used by the gunman. We know it was stolen from Essex and that it was being used on false plates up to and beyond the date Rhyhiem was murdered. I am appealing to the public to assist us in identifying who was using this vehicle and where it was being kept. Did you see it parked in your street? Did you notice it left in a car park? Did you see someone putting it in a garage? Any information, no matter how small, could make the difference.
DI Jo Sidaway, Metropolitan Police, speaking in 2021
During a further appeal in 2023, police revealed that none of the people who witnessed the murder had come forward with information.
In a direct appeal to Rhyhiem’s friends, DCI Kate Blackburn said: “I’m sure that people know who fired that fatal shot. Please give us the information we need to convict the people who killed your friend. We know that this would be a brave move on your part and we are here to support you in any way we can.”
To provide information call the police incident room on 0208 721 4005 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Rajesh Verma, a father-of-two, died 15 years after being stabbed in the head with a set of garden shears in Acton, west London.
He was attacked by a group of up to eight men close to the entrance of Acton Park, opposite Birkbeck Grove, on 31 August 2003, but nobody was ever arrested or charged.
Rajesh, aged 42 at the time, was treated in hospital for severe brain damage before being discharged, but was left with a number of ongoing health issues including epilepsy.
In 2015 he had a major heart attack, further complicating the existing brain damage, and was unable to move or speak for the last 18 months of his life. Rajesh also broke his hip in 2017 during a fitting episode. He died on 27 May 2018.
Our children were 11 and 13 when their lives were turned upside down. We chose to care for him at home in the way that he had cared for all of us.
Each member of the family helped to care for him. He was unable to think, move, talk or walk, but we still felt he could feel our presence and persevered. He required 24-hour assistance and we gave it. We watched him in the same position day after day. Life was all about him, but we all had hope.
The assault 15 years before, was random and unexpected. His assault left a huge gap in our hearts and continues to do so. His generosity and love for fellow humans did not deserve this. He was protective of the family but also of the vulnerable. He was a very popular man in Acton. Hundreds paid their respects at his funeral. There were friends and family but also homeless people, and local business people who he had helped tirelessly.
Rajesh’s wife, Roma Verma
A pathologist concluded there was a causal link between the assault in 2003 and his death. A verdict of unlawful killing was recorded at an inquest held at West London Coroners Court on 28 November 2019.
In March 2019 the Metropolitan Police issued a public appeal, saying they were now classing it as a murder investigation and offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
The attack on Rajesh involved ferocious violence by a group of men, one of whom, stabbed him in the head with a set of garden shears found near the crime scene.
We believe Rajesh was attacked after he intervened in a dispute between one of his friends and another individual. The suspects are believed to be local to the Acton area and are likely to still be living there or have links to the area. All were described as being of East African appearance.
This is a shocking crime and I’m in no doubt that people will have talked and boasted about it. I need you to cast your mind back to 2003 and if you have any knowledge of this horrific crime or the identity of Raj’s killer, then I implore you to make contact with us. We are offering a reward of £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
Raj’s family had to care for him for 24 hours a day following this attack and this lasted for 15 years. For the past 17 years they have not been able to see those responsible brought to justice. It is imperative that, if you have any information about this, that you contact us. We will provide confidentiality if that is what you need as we are committed to solving this murder.
DCI Vicky Tunstall
Anyone with information can call detectives on 020 8785 8099 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-org.uk
Mark Tremain, 52, was assaulted in Albert Square, Lambeth, at 5.50pm on 31 May 2018. He died in hospital of head injuries on 14 June 2018. Call the incident room on 020 8721 4868.
Ishak Tacine, 20, was stabbed to death in Cavendish Road, Edmonton, at around 6.33pm on 27 June 2018. Police said a number of young men were involved in a fight involving baseball bats. Contact the incident room on 02083453734.
Latwaan Griffiths, 18, was fatally stabbed on 25 July 2018. He was found injured after falling off the back of a moped in Denmark Road, Camberwell, at around 6.55pm.
The moped driver rode off and Latwaan was taken to hospital, where he died at 12.22am on 26 July 2018.
Evidence heard in another court case suggested Latwaan was a member of the Harlem Spartans gang based in Kennington, which was involved in a feud with a rival ‘150’ gang in Lambeth.
Detectives believe that Latwaan was fatally stabbed following an attempted shooting targeting the rival gang.
Contact police on 0208 721 4205.
Seven-year-old Joel Urhie died in an arson attack on his home in Adolphus Street, Deptford, at around 3.25am on 7 August 2018.
The boy’s body was found in the upstairs bedroom he shared with his mother Efe, who managed to escape with Joel’s older sister by jumping from first floor windows.
Joel Urhie, seven, died in a house fire in Deptford
Police believe the fire was started when a burning item was pushed through the letterbox.
Five people were arrested during the investigation but nobody has been charged.
Joel was the sweetest most caring little boy you could ever meet. He was so intelligent and always curious to learn new things. His smile and laugh would light up a room and he was so full of life and energy.
Joel’s mother Iroroefe O Edu
Police made new appeals for information in August 2022 and August 2023. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers said: “Joel and his family should have been planning for him to go to secondary school next month. They will not have the opportunity to do what many other families will be doing at such a defining moment in a child’s life.
“Someone knows why this happened; I would ask that you search your conscience and do what is right. Joel’s family deserve answers, and an explanation as to why his future was stolen from him.
“Our investigation will not stop, and I would urge anyone who has information, regardless of how small or insignificant you might think it to be, to contact us.”
We have now spent five long years without Joel and time does not make it any easier. Nothing will ever bring him back but we are desperate to find out who carried out this deadly crime. If you have any information or know anything, or anyone, who may be responsible for causing the fire, please come forward and speak to police.
Joel’s mother, Iroroefe O Edu, speaking in 2023
A reward of up to £10,000 was offered for information by the Crimestoppers charity. Contact them on 0800 555 111 or the police incident room on 020 8345 3715.
Ismail Tanrikulu, 22, was shot dead in Tottenham Cemetery at around 7.53am on 3 September 2018. The gunman is believed to have fled to Turkey after the killing. A suspected accomplice was acquitted of murder following a trial at the Old Bailey. The court heard Mr Tanrikulu had arranged a meeting at the cemetery to sort out a drugs dispute.
Elyon Poku, 20, was stabbed to death after a fight at a house party at a flat in Wilderton Road, Stamford Hill, at around 12.50am on 22 September 2018. Two other men aged 17 and 24 were also injured.
Police said there were up to 200 people at the party and have issued several appeals for witnesses to come forward with information.
In 2021, DI Martin Head said: “We remain committed to identifying those responsible for taking this young man’s life.
“It is still our belief that there are a number of witnesses who are yet to speak with us. I would strongly urge you to come forward and let us know what you saw or heard.
“Did you capture the attack on your phones? Do you have video or images that could help identify those involved?
“It is also possible that allegiances may have changed over the years. Please think of the suffering that Elyon’s family are still enduring and do the right thing.”
Not a day goes by when we don’t think of Elyon and what he would have been doing if he were still here today. We know Elyon is not coming back but it would be a great relief to the family if those who were responsible were identified and brought to justice.
Guled Farah, 19, died after a drive-by shooting in Walthamstow on 22 September 2018. He was driven to hospital by his friends after he was shot at from a car in Vallentin Road shortly after 11pm. Mr Farah, from Newham, was pronounced dead at 11.38pm. A postmortem gave the cause of death as gunshot wound to the chest. Delston Galloway, 25 (19.10.93), of Fulbourne Road, Walthamstow, was charged with murder but was acquitted on 27 September 2019 and discharged after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case. Call the police incident room on 0208 358 0400.
Moses Mayele was stabbed to death on his 23rd birthday. He was attacked in Manford Way, Hainault, at around 10.20pm on 12 October 2018 and was pronounced dead at the scene. A black VW Golf car, which was used by the suspects on the night of the murder, was later found burnt out in Park View Gardens. Three suspects were seen walking in the area carrying a petrol can. A 19-year-old man was charged with murder but the case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in January 2019. Call police on 020 8345 1570.
Ethan Nedd-Bruce, 18, was shot dead outside Collins House in Armitage Road, Greenwich, at around 9.25pm on 22 October 2018.
Police believe it was a targeted attack linked to conflict between two criminal groups. Ethan was confronted by a group of males as he left a chicken takeaway in Woolwich Road. He was chased into Armitage Road.
Ethan, 18, is confronted after leaving a chicken shop in Woolwich Road
DCI Richard Leonard said: “Someone out there knows who did this. It is not too late to do the right thing and speak to us about what you know. Help bring some closure to Ethan’s family who have been left utterly heartbroken by his death. Whatever the motive in this case, Ethan did not deserve to be pursued and attacked in this shocking manner. I believe the answer to who is responsible for this attack lies within the local community and I would urge anyone with information to come forward.”
CCTV footage shows the attackers waited in Woolwich Road in two vehicles – a silver Ford Kuga and a motorbike with a rider and pillion passenger – and then pursued Ethan into Armitage Road.
A view of the initial confrontation from the other side of the road
This atrocity has had such a devastating impact on his father and I, his siblings, the extended family, friends and the community as a whole. Finding the murderers will not bring Ethan back, but it will help to give the family closure that we so deserve. I urge members of the public, bystanders, witnesses and the community to come forward with any information that you may have that can help this investigation. We have to put a stop to people thinking they can literally get away with murder. This violence has to stop.
Ethan’s mother Cherie Nedd
Three men have been arrested during the investigation. A 26-year-old was arrested on 10 November 2018 before being released with no further action. Two men aged 24 and 34 were arrested on 27 May 2020.
Detectives are offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Contact the incident room on 020 8721 4622.
John Ogunjobi, 16, was stabbed to death in Greenleaf Close, Tulse Hill, at around 10.53pm on 5 November 2018.
Detectives said they believed he was “attacked by a number of suspects” and appealed for witnesses and information about a stolen black Audi Q5 and a light VW 5-door Polo seen shortly before and after the stabbing. A man in the Audi was seen filling up the car with petrol while wearing purple latex gloves about 10 minutes before the murder. The Audi was found burnt out on the Gunsite Allotments, Grange Lane, Dulwich, the next day.
Suspects seen in Audi and VW Golf before and after murder of John Ogunjobi
A £20,000 reward is offered for information. DCI Richard Vandenbergh said: “I think it is quite likely that some people who were friends with John will hold vital information that they haven’t shared with police. They should think about his death at such a tragically young age, think about the misery caused to John’s family and maybe think about the reward too – and then make what is surely an easy decision – to come forward and speak with police.”
Contact the incident room on 0208 721 4961.
Peter Gouldstone, a 98-year-old veteran of the Second World War, died four weeks after he was assaulted during a burglary.
He was found suffering from a head injury and extensive bruising at his home in Evesham Road in Bounds Green, Enfield, at around 10am on 6 November.
The house had been ransacked and several items had been stolen including a 26-inch Panasonic TV, model TX – L26X10B, which has never been recovered.
Mr Gouldstone died in hospital on 30 November 2018. The postmortem gave the cause of death as “complication of a traumatic head injury”.
Police released CCTV footage of two men they want to identify in relation to the attack.
Suspects in fatal burglary of Peter Gouldstone’s home in north London
The independent charity Crimestoppers offered a reward of up to £10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
DI John Marriott said: “We have CCTV footage showing two men who we are still keen to identify, as we believe they may have information which could assist our investigation. I urge anyone who has information, no matter how small a detail, to search their conscience and contact police without delay.
“I appreciate the incident will not be fresh in people’s minds, but would particularly like to hear from people who may recall being offered the Panasonic television that was stolen, or who saw either people or vehicles in the vicinity of Evesham Road, Enfield that may have appeared out of place.”
To provide information to the police call 0208 345 3715 or 101. To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
*In June 2023 Nicolae Ion, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle but prosecutors accepted he had nothing to do with the victim’s death.
Maureen Whale, 77, died after a burglary at her home in Bells Hill, Barnet. She called police at 6.10am on 4 December 2018 after two men gained entry to the property and stole her bag. A third man kept look-out.
Ms Whale, a retired air hostess who lived alone, was not assaulted but collapsed while on the telephone to the police operator and was taken to hospital. She died on the morning of 5 December 2018. A postmortem examination gave the cause of death as coronary heart disease, brought on by the stress of the break-in.
CCTV footage of the suspects
The Metropolitan Police said they were treating the death as manslaughter and confirmed they were also investigating three linked burglaries of jewellery in Bells Hill and Sampson Avenue and an attempted burglary in Raydean Road on the same night.
Maureen died for the few pounds that were in her purse, which is truly wicked and mindless. She was a fiercely independent lady and so adventurous travelling the world in her younger days; it is just awful she should die in such circumstances in the home where she had lived her entire life.
We really need the help of the public to trace these burglars. They are clearly experienced thieves, working as a team to target not just Maureen’s home but others that evening too. But knowing they are responsible for the death of a much-loved elderly lady may well have led to a change in their behaviour or conversations; they would not have intended or expected this tragic outcome. I am appealing to the families and partners of these individuals to help Maureen’s family get the justice they deserve. Handlers will also know who is responsible I’m sure. We’re not interested in you; we simply need information about what happened to Maureen.
DCI Noel McHugh
Maureen’s black handbag containing her personal effects was found stuffed in a hedge just to the right of the road sign on the outskirts of Ravenscroft Park, nearly half a mile north of Maureen’s home, several days later on 13 December.
We are devastated that our beloved Aunt Maureen when she should have been safe in her own home was confronted by three cowardly burglars who broke in whilst she was alone. I dread to think what went through her mind.
We will always have the terrible thoughts of Aunt Maureen’s last call to the police – it is heart-breaking. Our aunt was approaching her 78th birthday and remained fiercely independent – she had done so much good in her life and had so much more to give.
Those responsible are still living their lives, enjoying time with their own families. I would ask you to listen to that recording of what you did to this elderly lady, listen to the fear in her voice. You can still make a difference and explain your side of things. Possibly you didn’t realise she was in the house or that things went wrong. Please be courageous and contact the police today.
Maureen’s family, speaking in 2020
In August 2021 an inquest concluded her death was the consequence of a burglary. Police said that if the suspects were identified they would be charged with manslaughter.
A £20,000 reward for information has been offered by police. Contact the incident room on 0208 785 8099.
Richard Odunze-Dim was shot dead at a house in St Joseph’s Road, Edmonton, at around 9.15pm on 18 December 2018.
The 20-year-old student was with friends in the ground floor front room when two shots were fired from a shotgun through the window.
Richard suffered two gunshot wounds to the face and neck and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.10pm.
Detectives have appealed for help tracing a black SUV seen on CCTV near the scene of the murder. The case was featured on the BBC TV Crimewatch programme in September 2021.
CCTV image of suspect car, possibly an Audi
DCI Perry Benton, who is leading the Met’s investigation, said: “Richard was a student at Brunel University who was home visiting family for Christmas.
“His family are understandably devastated by Richard’s tragic death. It is approaching three years since this callous shooting and they deserve to see justice done.
“I am confident that people in the community know what happened and who may have been responsible. Allegiances change over time and I urge anyone with information about the murder and who may have been responsible to get in touch with police or Crimestoppers anonymously and share what they know.”
At least six men were arrested in relation to the murder but nobody has been charged.
Whoever knows anything about this must come forward and assist the police. Whoever is protecting these individuals must come forward. Our circumstances are no different – too many families have gone through the pain that we are going through now. We do not want vengeance we just want the violence to end.
Statement by Richard’s family
An inquest held in September 2021 heard Richard had no criminal record and police believe he was not the intended target of the shooting. A verdict of unlawful killing was recorded. Read the full court report (subscribers only).
Contact the police incident room on 020 8345 1570.
*Unsolved, meaning nobody has been charged, or nobody has been convicted after trial (except in cases of self defence).
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Jonathon McPhillips, 28, was stabbed in the chest during a fight between two groups of youths in Upper Street, Islington, in the early hours of 25 February 2017. The father-of-two died four days later in hospital.
Michael Dyra, 22, (29.12.95) of Hoxton, was charged with murder but the prosecution dropped the case on the day he was due to stand trial.
CCTV footage shows Mr McPhillips colliding with a bystander as he tried to escape.
Police offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. Call the incident room on 020 8345 3775.
David Adegbite, 18, was shot in the head in St Ann’s, Barking, at around 7.09pm on 19 March 2017.
The former college student was attacked as he cycled through the housing estate while visiting friends.
Nobody has been charged with the murder but police believe it was a case of ‘mistaken identity’.
Read the full report from the inquest (subscribers only).
David’s family said:“Our son David left a vacuum in our heart and home since he departed from this world. We want to appeal to anyone who has information about the people responsible for his death to come forward.”
Detective Inspector Emma Sharp said: “David was just visiting friends when he was shot. He was a popular and much-loved young man who had his whole life ahead of him and that has been cruelly taken from him. David’s family and friends have had their worlds turned upside down and we are determined to get justice for them and for David.
“I’m continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the area of St Ann’s at around the time of David’s murder who saw anything suspicious to come forward. David’s killer is still out there – help us bring his family some closure by finding those responsible. If you know anything, please do the right thing and tell Crimestoppers what you know. The charity will keep you totally anonymous and pass on it on to us.”
Crimestoppers has offered a £20,000 reward for information and can be contacted on 0800 555 111. Call the police incident room with information on 020 8345 3715.
Malachi Brooks, 21, was stabbed to death in the street in a revenge gang attack on 28 March 2017.
He was walking home along Surrey lane in Battersea when a car pulled up and three masked men got out and attacked him shortly after 1am.
Mr Brooks, who had just completed his apprenticeship in carpentry and was looking for work in the construction industry, suffered a fatal stab wound to the heart and was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.55am.
The stolen Red Nissan Micra used to drive the killers to and from the scene was abandoned and set on fire. CCTV footage captured the car being driven to Weir Road industrial estate at 1.20am on 28 March 2017. It was set alight at 4.10am on 29 March. Police said the burning of the car destroyed any possible evidential fingerprint and DNA evidence linking the killers to the crime.
On 2 September 2017 Joel Preddie, 20 (29.08.97) of Chantry Way, Mitcham, was charged with murder but the charge was later dropped. In August 2018 Preddie was sentenced to four years imprisonment for perverting the course of justice and arson relating to the burning of the car. Two other men Abdul Popatpotra, 27 (20.03.91), and Ashrafur Rahman, 23 (23.08.94), were each sentenced to 21 months imprisonment after they were convicted of arson.
Evidence heard in other court proceedings suggested Malachi was targeted by members of the Tooting Trap Stars (TTS) gang as part of a long-running feud with the Battersea-based Stick-em Up Kids (SUK) which also claimed the lives of Lewis Elwin and Mahamed Hassan. However Malachi’s family say he was not a gang member and wanted to avoid trouble.
Malachi was a very popular individual who was loved by many. His cheeky smile and sense of humour never leaves our memories. Malachi was stabbed to death by three different individuals which was very traumatic. The fourth person involved was driving the car which was burnt and abandoned on an industrial estate on Weir Road. Every day I ask myself ‘why my brother?’ Malachi was not a gang member and did not cause any harm to anyone. Malachi was trying to make something out of life. Words cannot explain how angry I feel that no justice has been served and the people that were involved are living life as normal. The pain and grief my family have gone through with Malachi being murdered has caused so many problems. Not only have we lost Malachi but it has split up the family. We are all finding it hard to deal with our emotions which is causing a huge effect.
Malachi’s sister, Rashaune
Police are offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to a prosecution of those responsbile for Malachi’s death.
We remain committed to bringing Malachi’s killers to justice. His family are still grieving, every birthday every Christmas is made even more difficult knowing that his killers have not yet been identified. We know that Malachi’s attackers had been driven to Surrey Lane to commit the murder and driven from the scene. The car used was then abandoned a mere 20 minutes after Malachi was killed, with Popatpotra, Rahmam and Preddie later found responsible for destroying that evidence. I am sure that there are people who Malachi’s murderers are, – most likely those in Tooting or wider South London – have information to help us solve this case. You may be fearful of providing information, or have loyalties that are stopping you from doing so. My message would be to do the right thing and come forward. We are counting on you to get in touch and officers are waiting to take your call in our incident room. We would treat any information provided in the strictest confidence.
DCI John Massey, leading the investigation, in 2019
Contact the police incident room on 020 8721 4868.
Bjorn Brown, a 23-year-old mechanic, was stabbed in Thornton Heath at around 8.33pm on 29 March 2017. He died in hospital five days later.
CCTV footage showed Bjorn having a short conversation with two men at the junction of in Kelling Gardens and Bensham Lane. They then walk into Kelling Gardens, out of view of the camera.
Ninety seconds later the two men were captured running away from the scene of the attack.
CCTV footage shows two male suspects with Bjorn – who was riding his bike – on Bensham Lane before they double back into Kelling Gardens. The two suspects then run back out onto Bensham Lane, followed shortly afterwards by Bjorn on his bike.
A passer-by described seeing one of the suspects move his hand in a stabbing motion towards Bjorn. Bjorn tried to flee on his bicycle but collapsed a few metres away.
He told a witness: “They tried to rob me.” A postmortem concluded he died of severe blood loss from a fatal wound to the shoulder which damaged the axial artery in his arm.
The inquest at South London Coroners Court heard detectives had been unable to identify the suspects despite public appeals for information. Coroner Edmund Gritt recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.
Contact the police incident room on 020 8721 4961 or speak anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Sixteen year-old Karim Samms was shot in the chest in Pier Parade, off Pier Road in North Woolwich at around 10.44pm on 7 April 2017.
He was with friends in when two suspects approached the group and opened fire. Police believe the suspects were taken to and from the scene in a Nissan Juke, which was captured on CCTV.
Two suspects arrive at the scene in a Nissan Juke
Contact the incident room on 020 345 3715.
Abdullah Hammia, 24, was stabbed in the heart in Melody Road, Wandsworth, at around 7pm on 25 April 2017. Police said he was attacked during an altercation with a group of males. Two men were charged with murder but the case was dropped before trial. Call the incident room on 020 8721 4054.
Satnam Singh, 45, suffered fatal head injuries when he was beaten with a baseball bat in the street in Hayes at around 10.20pm on 6 March 2017.
He had been walking with a friend along Atlee Road when he was attacked near the junction with Atlee Road.
A witness reported seeing a man following the pair and speaking into a mobile phone before a silver car pulled up and a white male got out of the vehicle and attacked both men with the bat. The suspect then got back in the car and it drove away.
Satnam died in hospital of bronchial pneumonia and head injury on 23 May 2017.
No arrests have been made and the case remains unsolved. A Crimestoppers reward of £10,000 remains on offer for any information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for his death.
The investigation into Satnam’s murder remains very much active and we continue to appeal for information.
Sadly, Satnam’s uncle, who spoke of his family’s grief back in 2017, has passed away without seeing his nephew’s killer brought to justice. At the time, his uncle spoke of how the whole family were devastated by the attack and how they were desperate to understand why their relative was killed and who is responsible. I hope that someone will come forward with information that can bring this family the peace they deserve.
Despite the passage of time, we still retain an open mind about why Satnam was attacked. I hope that now, anyone who was reluctant to speak with officers in 2017 may feel able to come forward. I would ask anyone who may have witnessed something that night that has played on their mind for the last four years to please get in touch with us.
We are also keen to speak to anyone that knew Satnam at the time, who may be able to provide further information on his lifestyle and extended family.
Detective Inspector Louise Caveen, speaking in 2021
Call the incident room on 0208 358 1010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Mohanna Abdhou, 20, was hit by a ricocheting bullet during a suspected gang shooting in Kilburn at around 8.54pm on 26 May 2017. She was talking to friends near Dickens House in Malvern Road when two men approached the group on bicycles and opened fire. Three suspects were charged with murder but were cleared of all charges at trial. The prosecution claimed that Mohanna was shot by members of the Harrow Road Boys (HRB), who were involved in ‘tit for tat’ violence with the ‘Killy’ or ‘SK’ from the South Kilburn Estate.
Mahad Ali, 18, was stabbed to death at a party in East Acton on 29 June 2017. Police were called to reports of a fight at the ‘West Wednesday’ Eid celebration in a warehouse in Coronation Road at 2.35am.
Mr Ali, a college student and boxer from Crouch End, was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead at 4.33am. A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death was stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.
A man was charged with murder but the case was discontinued before trial.
Joshua Bwalya, 16, was stabbed to death in Barking, east London, at around 1am on 2 August 2017.
He was chased by a groups of youths on bicycles before being attacked on a traffic island at the junction of Movers Lane and Ripple Road.
Joshua was about to study business at college and played football with Barking FC’s youth team.
Two teenagers were charged with murder but the case was discontinued due to lack of evidence in October 2017.
In September 2021 the Metropolitan Police launched a new appeal for information and released video of the suspects riding bicycles in the lead-up the attack.
DCI Perry Benton said: “This was a cowardly and brutal attack on a young boy who had his whole life ahead of him. We know Joshua was pursued by a group of young people on pedal cycles before being cornered and repeatedly stabbed.
“Over the past four years we have made a number of arrests in this case but we still need the public’s help to bring Joshua’s killers to justice. Somebody out there will have the information we need and I would urge them to do the right thing and come forward.”
The inquest in March 2022 heard evidence suggesting the stabbing bore the hallmarks of a gang attack and the coroner returned a verdict of unlawful killing. Read the full court report here (subscribers only).
To provide information contact the police Incident Room on 020 8345 1570 or to remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Cafer Aslam, a 54-year-old cafe owner of Turkish origin, was found shot dead at the junction of Westminster Road and Bounces Road in Enfield at around 9.10pm on 23 August 2017.
The suspect used a stolen Grey Audi Q5 which had been parked in Huxley Road, Edmonton, in the two days before the murder.
Police are appealing for information about a man seen carrying petrol cans in Henley Road towards the junction with Huxley Road at around 7.35pm, roughly 90 minutes before the shooting.
Police want to identify this man in relation to the murder of Cafer Aslam
The Audi Q5 was found burnt out in the Forty Hill area of Enfield forty minutes after the murder.
We believe the answers to these murders lie within the Turkish community. In the years that have passed, allegiances may have changed and we hope that someone who previously felt unable to come forward will now be able to do so. Any information – no matter how small you think it is – could be the missing piece of the puzzle we need.
DCI Noel McHugh, Metropolitan Police
Detectives are offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. Contact the incident room on 020 8345 3985.
Patrick Oyeri, 29, was stabbed to death during a fight in Rosebery Road, Hounslow, at around 3.35pm on 4 September 2017.
Two men were charged with murder but the case was dropped before trial and they were convicted and jailed for the lesser offence of violent disorder.
This was a terrible event in which a young man lost his life, leaving a family bereft and struggling to understand why this tragedy happened. The inquiry into who murdered Patrick continues and we are still appealing for anyone with information to contact us. Any information the public gives could provide the vital evidence that could bring Patrick’s killer to justice.
Detective Inspector Mark Long
Call the incident room on 020 8721 4054.
Corey Junior Davis, 14, was shot dead at a playground in Forest Gate on 4 September 2017.
The teenager was socialising with friends in Moore Walk at around 3.08pm when a Range Rover pulled up nearby.
A gunman got out and fired two shots from a shotgun. Corey was hit in the head and died in hospital at 10.01pm the following day.
A 17 year-old boy suffered injuries to his leg.
His mother, Keisha McLeod, said: “Until my son’s murderer is brought to justice, I’m unable to move on or have any type of closure. CJ was a fun, loving, kind and handsome young boy. He loved dancing and would make us join in with his routines. He was incredibly talented and had so much to live for. I won’t give up on my campaign for justice until my son’s killer is behind bars and that’s why I’m asking anyone with any information to speak to the police.
“When a child dies, it’s okay to speak. Your conscience would be clean. You’d be able to sleep at night knowing you’ve done justice to a boy who was loving life, putting an end to a family that’s still grieving. We’ve had no form of justice.”
Police believe Corey was being groomed by older gang members in the months leading up to his death. He was added to the gangs matrix in December 2016 because of his links to the Woodgrange E7 gang and had told his mother he was being pressured to sell drugs. It is thought the killers were from the rival Beckton E6 gang.
However detectives said they did not believe that Corey was directly targeted.
There was nothing remarkable, no altercation, no lead up to the attack, which was completely random and unprovoked, it appears, making it all the more dangerous. We’ve never believed it was a targeted attack. We think the area was targeted because people in certain groups hang around those areas, and CJ just happened to be there with some friends.
There was a group of young people in that car park. it’s inconceivable that nobody has any idea of the identity of who’s responsible. We just need the people that know this information to look into your hearts and conscience, come forward to us in confidence and tell us what you know.
DCI Dave Whellams, making an appeal for information in March 2024
A pre-inquest hearing in February 2024 heard that the police investigation had “hit a wall” because a potential witness was unwilling to give evidence against the killers.
Detectives have appealed for information about a stolen a metallic grey 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE TDV6 seen leaving the scene at around 3.15pm.
The car had been stolen two weeks earlier in the Balham area. Just before the shooting it was seen travelling east, from the Beckton area, along the Romford Road towards the A406.
Three people were arrested during the investigation, in June 2018, February 2019 and March 2023, but all were released.
A £20,000 reward for information remains on offer for information leading to a conviction. Contact the incident room on 020 8345 3775.
Jude Gayle inside the shop
Jude Gayle, 30, was stabbed to death in an alleyway off Dunelm Grove, West Norwood, at around 5.39pm on 24 September 2017. He died at the scene at 6.42pm.
The father-of-two had been preparing an evening meal for family members before driving to a nearby corner shop on the junction of Dunbar Street and Norwood High Street. He was stabbed as he left the shop.
Three men were acquitted of murder by an Old Bailey jury in April 2018 after a trial. Their defence to the charge was that they were innocent bystanders.
Police are still investigating the case and have previously offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Jude’s mother, Pett Roach said: “I have just accepted that Jude will not be coming back from the shop. He is gone. No one can bring him back. We are left to pick up the pieces and continue with our lives. All I can hope for and all I want is justice, no more, no less. I want those responsible for killing my son, convicted and served the maximum penalty.”
Jude’s partner Rachel Goodchild said: “Through the careless actions of others I’ve been forced into bringing up our children alone and I owe it to them and to the memory of Jude to get justice. So I am pleading from the deepest part of me please if you or anybody you know has any information no matter how big or small please help with the ongoing investigation. We need new compelling evidence, help us get JUSTICE FOR JUDE!”
Detectives believe that some witnesses are yet to come forward.
Jude was a family man and those who loved him have been left bereft. Nobody has been convicted of his murder and every day they have had to live without justice for their father, son and brother. A number of witnesses came forward with information over the course of the last few years and we remain very grateful for this. However, I am convinced there are some people who have not yet come forward who could, even three years on, make a significant contribution to the investigation. This remains a live investigation and please do not think that anything you have to share with us is redundant – we are ready to take your call. We also understand there are reasons which may have stopped you from calling police. If you still do not want to talk to us directly, you can call Crimestoppers which is 100 per cent anonymous. If you have information about who did this, please know that we really want to hear from you. Jude’s family have previously spoken eloquently of the pain of their loss and their desire to get justice for Jude. If you have been holding back, for whatever reason, I urge you now to examine your conscience, come forward and do the right thing.
DCI Timothy Wright, Metropolitan Police
Call the incident room on 020 8721 4961 or via 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Adetokunbo Jordan Ajobo, 21, was stabbed to death in North Woolwich on 8 November 2017. Police and paramedics were called to Pier Road at around 8.10pm. Jordan was pronounced dead at hospital at 9.30pm. A post-mortem confirmed the cause of death was a stab wound. The Metropolitan Police is still appealing for help tracing Cristiano Filipe, 21, in connection with the murder investigation.
Contact the police via 101 or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Alex Vanderpuye, 23, was stabbed in the chest in Christie Road, Hackney, at around 4.45pm on 7 December 2017.
Witnesses said he was attacked by a man – who appeared to know the victim – suddenly after a short conversation. The motive is unknown. An inquest recorded a verdict of unlawful killing.
Taofeek Lamidi, 20, was stabbed repeatedly in the street in West Ham on New Years Eve 2017.
He was found injured in Memorial Avenue, West Ham, at around 7.37pm. Paramedics and police attempted to resuscitate him at the scene but he was pronounced dead at 8.22pm.
A postmortem gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.
The case remains unsolved but in December 2022 detectives named the suspected killer as Ahmed Mohamed, then aged 25.
Mohamed is believed to have fled to Kenya after the attack.
Suspect Ahmed Mohamed is wanted by police
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our investigation very much remains ongoing.
“Taofeek’s family deserve justice and we will not rest until we locate those responsible and bring them before the courts.
“If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Ahmed Mohamed, then I urge you to please do the right thing get in touch with us.”
DCI Jolley added: “Taofeek was repeatedly stabbed, and was found lying in the street suffering horrific injuries from which he did not recover. Violent incidents such as this have no place on London’s streets, and we are following up a number of lines of enquiry to locate Mohamed.
“Memorial Avenue is a busy residential area close to West Ham station. I know that there were people in the area who witnessed the incident, and I need them to come forward. Any information provided will be treated with the strictest confidence.”
Call the police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD2194/24DEC22. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
*Unsolved as in nobody has been convicted or is awaiting trial for murder. This list does not include ‘lawful’ homicides such as those carried out in self defence.
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The death of Joseph Davis could not be directly linked to an assault he suffered several hours earlier, an inquest heard. Mr Davis, 68, collapsed unconscious after a fight in the street in Parnell Road, Bow, at around 8.45pm on 3 April 2017. Police and paramedics were called to the…
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